Structural Support for Cognitive Radio System Deployment

This paper describes research on the development of an appropriate support structure for the analysis of the spectral environments to support the successful deployment and utilization of a cognitive radio system in specific high value spatial domains (e.g. urban centers). Specifically the paper discusses the opportunity to use a system of spectrum observatories augmented by wireless sensor networks to provide guidance to the discrete radios within a cognitive radio system on the most likely available spectral channels and bands. Toward this end, the paper separates and characterizes the spectral opportunity into four distinct classes. The paper also discusses four criteria for identifying and separating spectral bands into these classes. Generic implementation requirements for a Spectrum Observatory are identified and illustrated with the embodiment at IIT’s Chicago campus. The paper discusses various academic and research opportunities afforded by the availability of a Spectrum Observatory. Finally, the potential for the full deployment of a “spectrum traffic” system is discussed along with the requirement for continuing research efforts.